2013 Visitor's Guide

{ SERVICES & RELOCAT ION }

Wherever you go, in all seasons, beautiful land & seascapes surround Maine’s largest metropolitan area. Portland: Authentic – By Nature.

Photo: Amy Tolk, Low tide on Casco Bay

L I V ING Greater Portland’s safe environment, beautiful landscapes, vibrant arts, and food culture combine to create a treasured quality of life for its residents that visitors also find enticing.

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Portland consistently makes top-ten lists of best places to vacation, and is also appearing on “best of” lists for families, green living, and outdoor lifestyle, even earning a 2012 ranking from Travel & Leisure under Best Cities for Hipsters. We’re not surprised. An old seaport city on a fresh new trajectory fueled by the creative economy, Greater Portland has been attracting young entrepreneurs who find the progressive region large enough to be interesting yet small enough to develop a supportive community. You can meet some of the creative, energetic people who are planting roots in our region on Creative Portland’s website, liveworkportland.org, an

invaluable source of information and resources for current residents and those considering a move. From neighborhoods and housing to investment and business incubators, the site provides ideas on ways to fit your interests and talents within our community. The Portland region is growing and diversifying — alongside the notoriously crusty Mainers whose families have been here for generations, you’ll find new communities of residents from Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia, as well as transplants from other US regions. Portland’s small size encourages commu- nity involvement and makes for a quicker transition once you decide to call this region home.

The Economic & Community Development divisions of towns and cities in Greater Portland can aid you in transplanting your business and family to Maine; find contact info at greaterportland.org. If you’ve already decided to relocate, or you’re contemplating a move to the Greater Portland area, our local service professionals will make your transition smoother. Also, for your exploratory visits, see the rentals on page 63 and the accom- modations on pages 69 and 71 marked for hotels that specialize in extended stays. If you’re here for a visit only, the service listings on pages 59-62 may still include something you’ll need during your vacation.

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